Meet the Chairman ! A Q&A with David Niccol

• And as a volunteer / board member with Middlesex?

I joined the board as chair this year, succeeding Ray Andrews, so new to the board and the role in 2024

• Under your role as Chairman – what do you think your role will be and how might you shape it, bringing your own style to the position. Plus, will your previous Life / Work responsibilities be of use to the county?

After a successful handover with Ray, ensuring quiet diplomacy was the order of the day, learning the role of the county, with fresh eyes, it’s good to review how the board works.

I can report that it works very well with all members being volunteers, with continuity being strong with excellent skill sets in place.

We understand the key core issues, I will help to steer them, support the club core missions too, as it is the clubs that we are here to serve

• What is your style as Chairman?

Collaboration, evolution, always keeping things in perspective, it’s a change from my work where I had to make instant decisions. With the county we have more time to take on board other viewpoints and to be flexible

• In the short period in the role so far, what has been the most enjoyable event so far?

That’s easy it was at Wyke Green, as a starter in a County Seniors Match vs BBO. We stood on the 1^st hole, summer conditions albeit with both players driving the green on the 352 yard par 4 and then holing to halve the hole in eagles! An inspirational moment to savor!

Also, at Enfield in October for the U16 Championship, in weather that was more than challenging, I was impressed with the apparent lack of nerves from golfers as young as 12 years old. They showed great natural ability and will become excellent Middlesex ambassadors.

• What are your next key commitments for the county?

The General Meeting is our next event, At Stanmore GC on the 28^{th of} November. This is open for all Middlesex Golfers to come along to see what your County does for you. Plus support your county delegates, who work on your behalf. There will be refreshments, a chance to try their golf simulator and of course to meet old friends and acquaintances.

• Does it all go quiet now between now and April?

This is the Planning process phase, getting the diary finalized, reviewing what has worked and what we could look to do better. The Office remains open ensuring governance is maintained for all golfers.

• Are there any key initiatives that need to be prioritized

We have a new Finance Director joining us, so it is key to making him comfortable in his new position. We need to stay close and in tune with all the England Golf initiatives. Plus, we need to encourage participation, expand the excellent coaching regime, plus grass roots development.

• What in your view is Middlesex’s greatest strength?

We are all part of a forward-looking progressive organization that in 2017 amalgamated. We are the envy of many counties, we view ourselves as more progressive, well run, ideas generating, encouraging youth development, inclusive, diverse, being a small county should not be viewed as a hurdle.

• What if any challenges do, we face? More Volunteers maybe? Participation? Club Membership retention.

Post covid losses need to be weathered across clubs and we can support them with that. We need to make some of our events more attractive.  Participation in our events is key, if you enjoy being part of them, you may decide you would like to be involved.

• Other than golf, what are your other great life passions?

Rugby Union, Scottish Rugby in fact, played for 20 years through school, police teams, Harrow RFC and then when married and came to the area in 1967, refereeing for 20 years. Just like Golf, (whilst a little more violent) is played observing a strong etiquette. I would regularly hang my spikes up in October (after the World Matchplay) and replace them with my studs for the winter. Today I try and watch Saracens – having followed them from Southgate to their present home.

Football is another passion, but contrast the respect in the games, plus the discipline and there is no comparison. Arsenal would be the team of my choice following them in the late 60’s when there was always such a strong Scottish connection, Bob Wilson, Frank McClintock, George Graham – just to mention a few.

• Who would be in your dream 4 Ball?

First up would be Jack Nicklaus, who I still believe to be the greatest player of ALL time, plus Ian Poulter for his flamboyance and completing the four would be Rory who always shows his feelings and the true human side of himself.

• Other than your home course, which course would you go back to and play again?

It would have to be in New Zealand and Waitangi GC in the north island overlooking the Bay of Islands. A Course where they say “Where the Sea meets the Tee”

An excellent course that attracts visitors who marvel at the variety of views as they traverse the course. Scenes change along the course, rising and descending over the easy rolling country, with views opening out to the harbour, Waitangi River, and the distant ocean.